FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The dates for Palmetto Boys State are located at the top of this page.
There are a few things that you should not bring to Boys State. Things to avoid bringing:
- Expensive jewelry, watches or any keepsake that would present a problem if lost or stolen.
- Pre-printed campaign materials and supplies are prohibited.
- Water guns, toy guns and any other toy items deemed inappropriate by Boys State staff are prohibited.
- Of course, any illegal drugs or controlled substances are prohibited and will result in an immediate dismissal from Boys State. Prescription medication should be cleared through the medical staff upon registration at Boys State.
- State laws prohibit the use of alcohol and tobacco products by minors. Anderson University is a smoke free environment. The use of alcohol or tobacco products by Boys State citizens is prohibited. Violation of these rules will result in immediate dismissal.
- Laser pointers and any other laser emitting devices are prohibited.
Get plenty of rest! Boys State is a fast-paced program. Also, read the “Program” by going to Delegates -> What to Expect -> Program Schedule. The more you know about the program the better you will fare. You may also want to brush up on your public speaking skills since you will need them!
We recommend you bring extra money for purchases from the PBS store; however, we encourage you to keep your wallet on your person at all times, since Boys State cannot be responsible for wallet contents left in your room. Most items range from $10 to $25. We recommend around $100.
Registration is on the first Sunday morning of Boys State. All participants MUST be registered NO LATER THAN 12:00 noon on this first day of Boys State. If you must arrive after 12:00 noon, you must arrive NO LATER THAN 6:00 pm on Sunday and check in with the Boys State office immediately upon arrival on campus.
Upstate counties check in from 8:30-9:15 AM
Midland counties check in from 9:15-10:00 AM
Lowcountry counties check in from 10:00-10:45 AM
Pee Dee counties check in from 10:45-11:30 AM
The Palmetto Boys State program is located on the campus of Anderson University, located in the north-western part of our state. Learn more about AU here.
Probably. However, we try to take the students from the same high school and place them in different cities. Because there are over 1,000 participants in the program, you will most likely see your friends at some point during the week, but will spend the vast majority of your time in your city group. When you leave the program, hopefully you will have made countless other friends from around the state.
WeWhWhile we would love for parents and other family members to come and see the program, space is limited. In any circumstances, we ask that you do not interfere with the program…just observe. Contact with family will be limited and should not interrupt the flow of events during the week.
In terms of housing selected students, all delegates will be housed in accordance with Anderson University’s dormitory regulations. Delegates with physical or health challenges (e.g., ambulatory issues, medication requirements with prompt access to the doctor, etc.) will be housed in rooms and locations to best support their specific needs. All other delegates without specific needs will be randomly assigned throughout campus with an effort to place them in city groups that do not include delegates from their same high school.
After reviewing the citizen’s schedule you’ll see that each day is packed with activity. Breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m. and “Lights Out” is at 10:30 p.m. or later. Schools of Instruction typically take place in the morning, lunch is at noon and city/county activities are in the early afternoon. Sports competitions are generally in the afternoon as well and general assemblies featuring keynote speakers typically take place in the evening.
Yes, the AU dining staff is equipped to accommodate virtually all diet requests. Please reach out before arrival to ensure we have preparations in place for your medically necessary dietary needs. All meals have gluten, vegetarian, and nut free options. Specific diet question scan be asked directly to the AU dining staff when onsite.
Medications can be kept with the citizen in his dorm room. No medication needs to be turned into the infirmary. If any special medication requirements are needed please contact Frank Beacham at frankbeacham@yahoo.com
Palmetto Boys State lasts 7 days (Sunday to Saturday). Please consult the information packet sent to you with your registration. The session concludes after the awards ceremony, usually around 11:00 a.m. on the last Saturday.
Often, the SAT/ACT is scheduled on the Saturday before or the Saturday of Graduation at Boys State. Boys State is a rigorous program and we can promise you that your son will be exhausted by the end of the week. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are clearly the 3 biggest days at Boys State and days that they do not want to miss. If at all possible, please do not schedule for your son to take the SAT/ACT on graduation Saturday of Boys State.
You can learn more about scholarships here.
Medications can be kept with the citizen in his dorm room. No medication needs to be turned into the infirmary. If any special medication requirements are needed please contact Frank Beacham at frankbeacham@yahoo.com
Yes, the AU dining staff is equipped to accommodate virtually all diet requests. Please reach out before arrival to ensure we have preparations in place for your medically necessary dietary needs. All meals have gluten, vegetarian, and nut free options. Specific diet question scan be asked directly to the AU dining staff when onsite.
After reviewing the citizen’s schedule you’ll see that each day is packed with activity. Breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m. and “Lights Out” is at 10:30 p.m. or later. Schools of Instruction typically take place in the morning, lunch is at noon and city/county activities are in the early afternoon. Sports competitions are generally in the afternoon as well and general assemblies featuring keynote speakers typically take place in the evening.
In terms of housing selected students, all delegates will be housed in accordance with Anderson University’s dormitory regulations. Delegates with physical or health challenges (e.g., ambulatory issues, medication requirements with prompt access to the doctor, etc.) will be housed in rooms and locations to best support their specific needs. All other delegates without specific needs will be randomly assigned throughout campus with an effort to place them in city groups that do not include delegates from their same high school.
WeWhWhile we would love for parents and other family members to come and see the program, space is limited. In any circumstances, we ask that you do not interfere with the program…just observe. Contact with family will be limited and should not interrupt the flow of events during the week.
The Palmetto Boys State program is located on the campus of Anderson University, located in the north-western part of our state. Learn more about AU here.
Registration is on the first Sunday morning of Boys State. All participants MUST be registered NO LATER THAN 12:00 noon on this first day of Boys State. If you must arrive after 12:00 noon, you must arrive NO LATER THAN 6:00 pm on Sunday and check in with the Boys State office immediately upon arrival on campus.
Upstate counties check in from 8:30-9:15 AM
Midland counties check in from 9:15-10:00 AM
Lowcountry counties check in from 10:00-10:45 AM
Pee Dee counties check in from 10:45-11:30 AM
We recommend you bring extra money for purchases from the PBS store; however, we encourage you to keep your wallet on your person at all times, since Boys State cannot be responsible for wallet contents left in your room. Most items range from $10 to $25. We recommend around $100.
Get plenty of rest! Boys State is a fast-paced program. Also, read the “Program” by going to Delegates -> What to Expect -> Program Schedule. The more you know about the program the better you will fare. You may also want to brush up on your public speaking skills since you will need them!
There are a few things that you should not bring to Boys State. Things to avoid bringing:
- Expensive jewelry, watches or any keepsake that would present a problem if lost or stolen.
- Pre-printed campaign materials and supplies are prohibited.
- Water guns, toy guns and any other toy items deemed inappropriate by Boys State staff are prohibited.
- Of course, any illegal drugs or controlled substances are prohibited and will result in an immediate dismissal from Boys State. Prescription medication should be cleared through the medical staff upon registration at Boys State.
- State laws prohibit the use of alcohol and tobacco products by minors. Anderson University is a smoke free environment. The use of alcohol or tobacco products by Boys State citizens is prohibited. Violation of these rules will result in immediate dismissal.
- Laser pointers and any other laser emitting devices are prohibited.
You can learn more about scholarships here.
Often, the SAT/ACT is scheduled on the Saturday before or the Saturday of Graduation at Boys State. Boys State is a rigorous program and we can promise you that your son will be exhausted by the end of the week. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are clearly the 3 biggest days at Boys State and days that they do not want to miss. If at all possible, please do not schedule for your son to take the SAT/ACT on graduation Saturday of Boys State.
Palmetto Boys State lasts 7 days (Sunday to Saturday). Please consult the information packet sent to you with your registration. The session concludes after the awards ceremony, usually around 11:00 a.m. on the last Saturday.
Probably. However, we try to take the students from the same high school and place them in different cities. Because there are over 1,000 participants in the program, you will most likely see your friends at some point during the week, but will spend the vast majority of your time in your city group. When you leave the program, hopefully you will have made countless other friends from around the state.
The dates for Palmetto Boys State are located at the top of this page.
